Explanation: Universal Product Codes (UPC’s) were slowly introduced into stores beginning in 1974, thoroughly confusing most ordinary shoppers. So this cartoon, which was purchased and printed by Datamation magazine in 1983, was still very appropriate.
All I can say in defense of this cartoon is that it was bought by the publication in 1996 — over 25 years ago. My, how things have changed . . . and I think that the caption was a tired, hackneyed cliche even then.
